Two Americans drew with Black today in elite tournaments, as Biel wrapped up and Sochi kicked off. In the Biel International Chess Festival, Evgeny Alekseev took first place from behind, winning a clutch playoff game against GM Lenier Dominguez, who had been leading the entire second half.

Onsichuk drew
his final round game against Carlsen, keeping the pre-tournament favorite out of the winner's circle.

Dominguez went into the final round a full point ahead of the field. A last round draw against Bacrot would have given him clear first. The following position looks hopeless for Dominguez but with creative defense or Rybka, Black can hang on to his piece and hold on to draw chances.

Gata's second Emil Sutovsky told CLO that the conditions and food in Sochi are excellent, with the only drawback being locked windows that don't allow fresh air. There were no complaints about the draw with Svidler, but Emil pointed out: "we face a big guy every day." Tomorrow our American World Championship candidate faces the biggest guy of all, top seed Vassily Ivanchuk (2781). Gata will be White- follow the game tomorrow at 7 AM EST.

Alexander Grischuk and Teimour Radjabov were the sole winners today in Sochi.